Justice Who Delivered Rivers Verdict Seen with Wike at UNICAL Event, Supreme Court Issues Clarification

The Supreme Court has responded to growing public reactions following the appearance of Justice Emmanuel Agim—who delivered the lead judgment in the recent Rivers State political crisis—at the University of Calabar convocation ceremony alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Photos and video clips from the March 22 event circulated widely online, showing both Justice Agim and Wike being honored at the same ceremony, sparking speculation and controversy, especially given the high-profile nature of the Rivers State judgment. Many Nigerians on social media questioned the optics, with some alleging a conflict of interest and others demanding an explanation from the judiciary.

In response, the Supreme Court issued a statement through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande, clarifying that Justice Agim did not accompany Wike to the event and was present strictly in his personal capacity as an honouree.

“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative,” the statement read.

According to the court, Justice Agim, a proud alumnus of the University of Calabar, was invited by the institution’s Governing Council to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa), in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the legal profession.

While the clarification may settle institutional concerns, online reactions remain mixed. Some commentators insist the timing and optics of the event were politically charged, while others argue that the judge, like any private citizen, has a right to be celebrated by his alma mater without assumptions of impropriety.